Stories and comments from the author's musical and political life: by John F Goodman

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Tag Archives: Mike Pompeo

“I will say that never has there been a president, with few exceptions—in the case of F.D.R. he had a major Depression to handle—who’s passed more legislation, who’s done more things than what we’ve done. We’ve been about as active as you can possibly be, and at a just about record-setting pace.”

“We thank you for the opportunity and blessing to serve your agenda,” Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said. “Greatest privilege of my life, to serve as vice president to a president who’s keeping his word to the American people,” said Vice President Mike Pence. “You’ve set the exact right message,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions, adding, “The response is fabulous around the country.”

Response has indeed been fabulous. CNBC’s John Harwood called this “like a scene from the Third World.” Others tweeted that Trump sounded like King Lear demanding praise from his daughters. Chuck Schumer put up a spoof video with his staff praising him (see below). James Comey should have tweeted “See what I mean?”

One imagines Kim Jong Un holding a similar meeting, no? President Duterte holds them frequently.

In the real world, Robert Mueller has more than hinted that the Russian investigation is getting closer to Mr. Trump. There is widely reported disquiet in the White House about heads to roll and insufficient loyalty to the president. His approval ratings continue to drop; they are now at 36 percent (disapproval at 59 percent). Promised legislation on health care, taxes and infrastructure is mired in the mud of Republican incompetence.

And so it was time for a little heartfelt ego boosting, a sophistical tribute to Mr. Trump by his sycophantic cabinet. The only honest one in the room was Mike Pompeo, the CIA director, who said: “I am not going to say a damn thing in front of the media.” And the reign of the prima donna continues.